<p>China has fully militarised at least three of several islands it built in the disputed South China Sea, arming them with anti-ship and anti-aircraft missile systems, laser and jamming equipment and fighter jets in an increasingly aggressive move that threatens all nations operating nearby, a top US military commander said Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US Indo-Pacific commander Adm. John C Aquilino said the hostile actions were in stark contrast to Chinese President Xi Jinping's past assurances that Beijing would not transform the artificial islands in contested waters into military bases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The efforts were part of China's flexing its military muscle, he said.</p>

<p>"I think over the past 20 years we've witnessed the largest military buildup since World War II by the PRC," Aquilino told The Associated Press in an interview, using the initials of China's formal name.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They have advanced all their capabilities and that buildup of weaponization is destabilizing to the region."</p>

<p>There were no immediate comments from Chinese officials.</p>

<p>Aquilino spoke with the AP onboard a US Navy reconnaissance aircraft that flew near Chinese-held outposts in the South China Sea's Spratly archipelago, one of the most hotly contested regions in the world.</p>

<p>During the patrol, the P-8A Poseidon plane was repeatedly warned by Chinese callers that it illegally entered what they said was China's territory and ordered the plane to move away.</p>

<p>"China has sovereignty over the Spratly islands, as well as surrounding maritime areas. Stay away immediately to avoid misjudgment," one of the stern radio messages said in a veiled threat.</p>

<p>But the U.S. Navy plane dismissed the multiple warnings and pressed on defiantly with its reconnaissance in brief but tense moments witnessed by two AP journalists invited onboard.</p>

<p>"I am a sovereign immune United States naval aircraft conducting lawful military activities beyond the national airspace of any coastal state," a US pilot radioed back to the Chinese.</p>

<p>"Exercising these rights is guaranteed by international law and I am operating with due regard to the rights and duties of all states," he said.</p>

<p>Navy commanding officer Joel Martinez, who led the P-8A Poseidon's crew, said there has been an incident when a Chinese jet flew close to a US aircraft in a dangerous maneuver in the disputed region. The US flight crew calmly reminded the Chinese to comply with aviation safety regulations, he said.</p>

<p>As the P-8A Poseidon flew as low as 15,000 feet (4,500 meters) near the Chinese-occupied reefs, some appeared to be like small cities on screen monitors, with multi-story buildings, warehouses, hangars, seaports, runways and white round structures Aquilino said were radars. Near Fiery Cross, more than 40 unspecified vessels could be seen apparently anchored.</p>

<p>Aquilino said the construction of missile arsenals, aircraft hangars, radar systems and other military facilities on Mischief Reef, Subi Reef and Fiery Cross appeared to have been completed but it remains to be seen if China will pursue the construction of military infrastructure in other areas.</p>

<p>"The function of those islands is to expand the offensive capability of the PRC beyond their continental shores," he said. "They can fly fighters, bombers plus all those offensive capabilities of missile systems."</p>

<p>He said any military and civilian plane flying over the disputed waterway could easily get within range of the Chinese islands' missile system.</p>

<p>"So that's the threat that exists, that's why it's so concerning for the militarization of these islands," he said. "They threaten all nations who operate in the vicinity and all the international sea and airspace."</p>

<p>China sought to shore up its vast territorial claims over virtually the entire South China Sea by building island bases on coral atolls nearly a decade ago.</p>

<p>The US responded by sending its warships through the region in what it calls freedom of operation missions. The United States has no claims itself but has deployed Navy ships and aircraft for decades to patrol and promote free navigation in international waterway and airspace.</p>

<p>China routinely objects to any action by the U.S. Military in the region. The other parties "the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei" claim all or part of the sea, through which approximately $5 trillion in goods are shipped every year.</p>

<p>Despite China's aggression, the long-simmering territorial conflicts should only be resolved peacefully, Aquilino said, and cited the Philippine government's successful move to bring its disputes with China to international arbitration in 2013 as a good template.</p>

<p>A UN-backed arbitration tribunal that handled the case invalidated China's sweeping historical claims in the South China Sea under the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea. Beijing dismissed the ruling as sham and continues to defy it.</p>

<p>Washington's main objective in the disputed region is "to prevent war" through deterrence and promote peace and stability, including by engaging American allies and partners in projects with that objective, Aquilino said.</p>

<p>"Should deterrence fail, my second mission is to be prepared to fight and win," he said.</p>


China has fully militarised at least three of several islands it built in the disputed South China Sea, arming them with anti-ship and anti-aircraft missile systems, laser and jamming equipment and fighter jets in an increasingly aggressive move that threatens all nations operating nearby, a top US military commander said Sunday.

China has fully militarised at least three of several islands it built in the disputed South China Sea, arming them with anti-ship and anti-aircraft missile systems, laser and jamming equipment and fighter jets in an increasingly aggressive move that threatens all nations operating nearby, a top US military commander said Sunday. US Indo-Pacific commander Adm. John C Aquilino said the hostile actions were in stark contrast to Chinese President Xi Jinping's past assurances that Beijing would not transform the artificial islands in contested waters into military bases. The efforts were part of China's flexing its military muscle, he said. "I think over the past 20 years we've witnessed the largest military buildup since World War II by the PRC," Aquilino told The Associated Press in an interview, using the initials of China's formal name. "They have advanced all their capabilities and that buildup of weaponization is destabilizing to the region." There were no immediate comments from Chinese officials. Aquilino spoke with the AP onboard a US Navy reconnaissance aircraft that flew near Chinese-held outposts in the South China Sea's Spratly archipelago, one of the most hotly contested regions in the world. During the patrol, the P-8A Poseidon plane was repeatedly warned by Chinese callers that it illegally entered what they said was China's territory and ordered the plane to move away. "China has sovereignty over the Spratly islands, as well as surrounding maritime areas. Stay away immediately to avoid misjudgment," one of the stern radio messages said in a veiled threat. But the U.S. Navy plane dismissed the multiple warnings and pressed on defiantly with its reconnaissance in brief but tense moments witnessed by two AP journalists invited onboard. "I am a sovereign immune United States naval aircraft conducting lawful military activities beyond the national airspace of any coastal state," a US pilot radioed back to the Chinese. "Exercising these rights is guaranteed by international law and I am operating with due regard to the rights and duties of all states," he said. Navy commanding officer Joel Martinez, who led the P-8A Poseidon's crew, said there has been an incident when a Chinese jet flew close to a US aircraft in a dangerous maneuver in the disputed region. The US flight crew calmly reminded the Chinese to comply with aviation safety regulations, he said. As the P-8A Poseidon flew as low as 15,000 feet (4,500 meters) near the Chinese-occupied reefs, some appeared to be like small cities on screen monitors, with multi-story buildings, warehouses, hangars, seaports, runways and white round structures Aquilino said were radars. Near Fiery Cross, more than 40 unspecified vessels could be seen apparently anchored. Aquilino said the construction of missile arsenals, aircraft hangars, radar systems and other military facilities on Mischief Reef, Subi Reef and Fiery Cross appeared to have been completed but it remains to be seen if China will pursue the construction of military infrastructure in other areas. "The function of those islands is to expand the offensive capability of the PRC beyond their continental shores," he said. "They can fly fighters, bombers plus all those offensive capabilities of missile systems." He said any military and civilian plane flying over the disputed waterway could easily get within range of the Chinese islands' missile system. "So that's the threat that exists, that's why it's so concerning for the militarization of these islands," he said. "They threaten all nations who operate in the vicinity and all the international sea and airspace." China sought to shore up its vast territorial claims over virtually the entire South China Sea by building island bases on coral atolls nearly a decade ago. The US responded by sending its warships through the region in what it calls freedom of operation missions. The United States has no claims itself but has deployed Navy ships and aircraft for decades to patrol and promote free navigation in international waterway and airspace. China routinely objects to any action by the U.S. Military in the region. The other parties "the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei" claim all or part of the sea, through which approximately $5 trillion in goods are shipped every year. Despite China's aggression, the long-simmering territorial conflicts should only be resolved peacefully, Aquilino said, and cited the Philippine government's successful move to bring its disputes with China to international arbitration in 2013 as a good template. A UN-backed arbitration tribunal that handled the case invalidated China's sweeping historical claims in the South China Sea under the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea. Beijing dismissed the ruling as sham and continues to defy it. Washington's main objective in the disputed region is "to prevent war" through deterrence and promote peace and stability, including by engaging American allies and partners in projects with that objective, Aquilino said. "Should deterrence fail, my second mission is to be prepared to fight and win," he said.

US admiral says China fully militarised at least three of several islands it built in disputed South China Sea

<p>We live in a world where people use racial slurs often, sometimes without even realising that the words are hurting the sentiments of others and sometimes intentionally discriminating an individual or community based on their racial or ethnic group, typically one that is a minority or marginalised.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To address the sensitive issue, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on March 21.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On this day in 1960, the police in Sharpeville, South Africa had opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid "pass laws".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/world-down-syndrome-day-2022-what-is-it-the-theme-history-and-quotes-464237">World Down Syndrome Day 2022: What is it? The theme, history, and quotes</a></strong></p>

<p>Some years later in 1979, the General Assembly adopted a programme of activities to be undertaken during the second half of the Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was decided that a week of solidarity would be organised annually in all States with the people struggling against racism and racial discrimination, beginning on March 21.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The theme of the 2022 edition of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is "VOICES FOR ACTION AGAINST RACISM".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The focus is: highlighting the importance of strengthening meaningful and safe public participation and representation in all areas of decision-making to prevent and combat racial discrimination.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/time-to-push-for-spike-in-global-green-cover-on-this-international-day-of-forests-464207">Time to push for spike in global green cover on this International Day of Forests</a></strong></p>

<p>Also reaffirming the importance of full respect for the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and of protecting civic space.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Racism continues to poison institutions, social structures &amp; everyday life in every society. Realizing the vision of a world free of racism &amp; racial discrimination demands action every day, at every level, in every society," said US Secretary-General António Guterres in an address to the General Assembly.&nbsp;</p>


We live in a world where people use racial slurs often, sometimes without even realising that the words are hurting the sentiments of others and sometimes intentionally discriminating an individual or community based on their racial or ethnic group, typically one that is a minority or marginalised.

We live in a world where people use racial slurs often, sometimes without even realising that the words are hurting the sentiments of others and sometimes intentionally discriminating an individual or community based on their racial or ethnic group, typically one that is a minority or marginalised. To address the sensitive issue, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on March 21. On this day in 1960, the police in Sharpeville, South Africa had opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid "pass laws". ALSO READ | World Down Syndrome Day 2022: What is it? The theme, history, and quotes Some years later in 1979, the General Assembly adopted a programme of activities to be undertaken during the second half of the Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination. It was decided that a week of solidarity would be organised annually in all States with the people struggling against racism and racial discrimination, beginning on March 21. The theme of the 2022 edition of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is "VOICES FOR ACTION AGAINST RACISM". The focus is: highlighting the importance of strengthening meaningful and safe public participation and representation in all areas of decision-making to prevent and combat racial discrimination. ALSO READ | Time to push for spike in global green cover on this International Day of Forests Also reaffirming the importance of full respect for the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and of protecting civic space. "Racism continues to poison institutions, social structures & everyday life in every society. Realizing the vision of a world free of racism & racial discrimination demands action every day, at every level, in every society," said US Secretary-General António Guterres in an address to the General Assembly.

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination: 'Speak as one' to fight racism

<p>Former English footballer David Beckham handed over his official Instagram account, which has over 71.5 million followers, to a maternity doctor in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Beckham is trying to raise awareness and money for expectant mothers in war-torn Ukraine amid Russia's invasion of the country which has caused mass destruction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now, Beckham's Instagram account will highlight the difficulties faced by medical professionals in Ukraine, who have been working during the Russian invasion. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-heavy-bombardment-follows-mariupol-forced-to-bury-dead-on-roadside-in-makeshift-graves-464161">&nbsp;As heavy bombardment follows, Mariupol forced to bury dead on roadside in makeshift graves</a></strong></p>

<p>The star footballer has said that he is handing over his account to a female Ukrainian doctor named Dr Iryna, who is head of the Regional Perinatal Center in Kharkiv. As per the player, Dr Iryna has been helping mothers give birth in a hospital basement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Hi everyone, so I'm handing over my social media to Iryna, the Head of the Regional Perinatal Centre in Kharkiv, Ukraine where she is helping pregnant mothers give birth safely," the former football ace said in a video on Instagram.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Thanks to your donations, the oxygen generators they have received are helping newborns survive in appalling conditions," the former&nbsp;Manchester United player&nbsp;added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-invasion-triggers-patriotism-wave-in-ukraine-turns-inspiring-tattoos-billboards-popular-464172">Russian invasion triggers patriotism wave in Ukraine, turns inspiring tattoos, billboards popular</a></strong></p>

<p>While posting the video, Beckham in caption wrote, "Today I'm handing over my social channels to Iryna, the Head of the Regional Perinatal Centre in Kharkiv, Ukraine where she is helping mothers give birth."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Head over to my stories to learn more about the amazing work Iryna and health workers like her are doing to save lives in Ukraine. Please give what you can to support @UNICEF and people like Iryna using the donation link in my bio," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the video shared on Beckham's Insta stories, Iryna said, "Now. I’m not only the head of the centre but I continue to work as a paediatric anesthesiologist. I unload cargo, work on logistics and offer emotional support."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"UNICEF’s support is very important to us, They have been delivering supplies in Ukraine for years and they have good logistics to deliver ready-to-use kits to maternity hospitals."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The oxygen generators we received from UNICEF help provide oxygen for children in the basement. We are probably risking our lives, but we don’t think about it at all. We love our work."&nbsp;</p>

<p>" Doctors and nurses here, we worry, we cry but none of us will give up. Thank you to everyone who watched my story to everyone who is helping Ukrainian children. Every single donation matters."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch David&nbsp;Beckham's video:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">David Beckham temporarily shared his Instagram account with a doctor from Kharkov<br />
In Beckham's store, the head of the perinatal center, Irina Kondratova, showed the work of doctors during the war. Including mothers with children who are hiding in basements. <a href="https://t.co/359GkefEkr">pic.twitter.com/359GkefEkr</a></p>
— Russia Vs World (@RussiaVsWorld_) <a href="https://twitter.com/RussiaVsWorld_/status/1505586868599103489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>In the comments section, UNICEF wrote: "Thank you @davidbeckham for handing over your account, to Iryna for your heroic work, and to everyone helping children with a donation."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since Russia announced a "special military operation" three weeks ago, there have been numerous strikes on civilian targets housing children.</p>

<p>Last week a&nbsp;maternity&nbsp;hospital in the besieged port city of Mariupol was bombed, wounding 17.</p>

<p>On Wednesday (March 16) a theatre there was hit despite signs declaring children were sheltering inside.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More than 130 have been saved from the rubble but officials said up to 1,000 may have been taking refuge within.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;How art is combating war in Ukraine?&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Former English footballer David Beckham handed over his official Instagram account, which has over 71.5 million followers, to a maternity doctor in Ukraine. Beckham is trying to raise awareness and money for expectant mothers in war-torn Ukraine amid Russia's invasion of the country which has caused mass destruction.

Former English footballer David Beckham handed over his official Instagram account, which has over 71.5 million followers, to a maternity doctor in Ukraine. Beckham is trying to raise awareness and money for expectant mothers in war-torn Ukraine amid Russia's invasion of the country which has caused mass destruction. Now, Beckham's Instagram account will highlight the difficulties faced by medical professionals in Ukraine, who have been working during the Russian invasion. ALSO READ | As heavy bombardment follows, Mariupol forced to bury dead on roadside in makeshift graves The star footballer has said that he is handing over his account to a female Ukrainian doctor named Dr Iryna, who is head of the Regional Perinatal Center in Kharkiv. As per the player, Dr Iryna has been helping mothers give birth in a hospital basement. "Hi everyone, so I'm handing over my social media to Iryna, the Head of the Regional Perinatal Centre in Kharkiv, Ukraine where she is helping pregnant mothers give birth safely," the former football ace said in a video on Instagram. "Thanks to your donations, the oxygen generators they have received are helping newborns survive in appalling conditions," the former Manchester United player added. ALSO READ | Russian invasion triggers patriotism wave in Ukraine, turns inspiring tattoos, billboards popular While posting the video, Beckham in caption wrote, "Today I'm handing over my social channels to Iryna, the Head of the Regional Perinatal Centre in Kharkiv, Ukraine where she is helping mothers give birth." "Head over to my stories to learn more about the amazing work Iryna and health workers like her are doing to save lives in Ukraine. Please give what you can to support @UNICEF and people like Iryna using the donation link in my bio," he added. In the video shared on Beckham's Insta stories, Iryna said, "Now. I’m not only the head of the centre but I continue to work as a paediatric anesthesiologist. I unload cargo, work on logistics and offer emotional support." "UNICEF’s support is very important to us, They have been delivering supplies in Ukraine for years and they have good logistics to deliver ready-to-use kits to maternity hospitals." "The oxygen generators we received from UNICEF help provide oxygen for children in the basement. We are probably risking our lives, but we don’t think about it at all. We love our work." " Doctors and nurses here, we worry, we cry but none of us will give up. Thank you to everyone who watched my story to everyone who is helping Ukrainian children. Every single donation matters." Watch David Beckham's video: View this post on Instagram A post shared by David Beckham (@davidbeckham) × David Beckham temporarily shared his Instagram account with a doctor from Kharkov In Beckham's store, the head of the perinatal center, Irina Kondratova, showed the work of doctors during the war. Including mothers with children who are hiding in basements. pic.twitter.com/359GkefEkr — Russia Vs World (@RussiaVsWorld_) March 20, 2022 × In the comments section, UNICEF wrote: "Thank you @davidbeckham for handing over your account, to Iryna for your heroic work, and to everyone helping children with a donation." Since Russia announced a "special military operation" three weeks ago, there have been numerous strikes on civilian targets housing children. Last week a maternity hospital in the besieged port city of Mariupol was bombed, wounding 17. On Wednesday (March 16) a theatre there was hit despite signs declaring children were sheltering inside. More than 130 have been saved from the rubble but officials said up to 1,000 may have been taking refuge within. WATCH | How art is combating war in Ukraine? ×

David Beckham hands over his Instagram account with 71.5 million followers to Ukrainian doctor, watch his plea

<p>China, a country where the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak was first reported in 2019, is facing a surge in cases again as now the nation has reported two deaths on Saturday (March 19), its first in more than a year. The deaths have been reported in mainland China since January 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After its outbreak, the deadly virus spread worldwide, killing millions of people. The recent trend underlines a similar threat posed by an Omicron outbreak that has triggered the country's highest case counts since the first Covid case was reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China's National Health Commission said both deaths occurred in Jilin, the northeastern province which has been hardest-hit by a nationwide rise in cases. The surge in Covid cases has led to strict measures, mass testing, lockdowns in several cities.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-drops-pre-arrival-covid-19-test-for-foreign-visitors-463581">Thailand drops pre-arrival COVID-19 test for foreign visitors</a></strong></p>

<p>After the two deaths, the country's total death toll in the pandemic is 4,638. The health commission said that the country reported 4,051 new cases on Saturday, down from 4,365 the day before.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two new deaths were buried in the health commission's daily report, and state-controlled media outlets made little mention of them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his address, the country's President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that China would stick with its zero-Covid strategy, while also allowing for a more "targeted" approach.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: India's fourth Covid-19 wave in June?</strong></p>

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China, a country where the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak was first reported in 2019, is facing a surge in cases again as now the nation has reported two deaths on Saturday (March 19), its first in more than a year.

China, a country where the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak was first reported in 2019, is facing a surge in cases again as now the nation has reported two deaths on Saturday (March 19), its first in more than a year. The deaths have been reported in mainland China since January 2021. After its outbreak, the deadly virus spread worldwide, killing millions of people. The recent trend underlines a similar threat posed by an Omicron outbreak that has triggered the country's highest case counts since the first Covid case was reported. China's National Health Commission said both deaths occurred in Jilin, the northeastern province which has been hardest-hit by a nationwide rise in cases. The surge in Covid cases has led to strict measures, mass testing, lockdowns in several cities. ALSO READ | Thailand drops pre-arrival COVID-19 test for foreign visitors After the two deaths, the country's total death toll in the pandemic is 4,638. The health commission said that the country reported 4,051 new cases on Saturday, down from 4,365 the day before. The two new deaths were buried in the health commission's daily report, and state-controlled media outlets made little mention of them. In his address, the country's President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that China would stick with its zero-Covid strategy, while also allowing for a more "targeted" approach. WATCH | Gravitas: India's fourth Covid-19 wave in June? ×

China reports first COVID-19 deaths in more than a year

<p>Donning blue and yellow colours that appeared to match the Ukrainian flag, three Russian cosmonauts safely arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday (March 18).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Roscosmāos cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, Denis Matveev and Sergey Korsakov docked their Soyuz capsule with the outpost for a mission that continues a 20-year shared Russian-US presence in orbit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the ties between the two countries deteriorated since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a "military operation" in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/price-of-war-these-empty-strollers-represent-children-killed-during-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-463651">'Price of War': These empty strollers represent children killed during Russian invasion of Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>NASA informed that the cosmonauts on the Soyuz MS-21 spacecraft docked to the ISS at 3:12 pm EDT while the station was travelling 260 miles over eastern Kazakhstan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The trio has joined Expedition 66 Commander Anton Shkaplerov and cosmonaut Pyotr Dubrov of Roscosmos on the station. They also joined NASA astronauts Mark Vande Hei, Raja Chari, Tom Marshburn and Kayla Barron and ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Matthias Maurer.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Station cameras have spotted the Soyuz MS-21 crew ship approaching the station with three cosmonauts ready to join the Exp 66 crew. <a href="https://t.co/yuOTrZ4Jut">https://t.co/yuOTrZ4Jut</a> <a href="https://t.co/Wg2GCZx9VK">pic.twitter.com/Wg2GCZx9VK</a></p>
— International Space Station (@Space_Station) <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station/status/1504890107890831361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>NASA further informed that on March 30, a Soyuz spacecraft will return as scheduled carrying NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei and cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anton Shkaplerov back to Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Upon their return, Vande Hei will hold the American record for the longest single human spaceflight mission of 355 days.</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/drone-warfare-in-ukraine-switchblade-buzzing-bee-drones-vs-russias-orlan-10-463449">Drone warfare in Ukraine: Switchblade 'buzzing bee' drones vs Russia's Orlan-10</a></strong></p>

<p>The US-Russian collaboration in space is being tested by heightened antagonism between the two former Cold War adversaries over Russia's three-week-old invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When US President Joe Biden slapped sanctions on Moscow in the wake of Russia's invasion, it also included the aerospace industry, triggering dark warnings from Rogozin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If you block cooperation with us, who will save the ISS from uncontrolled deorbiting and falling on US or European territory?" the Roscosomos head wrote in a tweet last month -- noting that the station doesn't fly over much of Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ISS, a collaboration among the US, Canada, Japan, the European Space Agency and Russia, is split into two sections: the US Orbital Segment, and the Russian Orbital Segment.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russian cosmonauts arrive at the International space station for 6-month long mission</strong></p>

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Donning blue and yellow colours that appeared to match the Ukrainian flag, three Russian cosmonauts safely arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday (March 18).

Donning blue and yellow colours that appeared to match the Ukrainian flag, three Russian cosmonauts safely arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday (March 18). The Roscosmāos cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, Denis Matveev and Sergey Korsakov docked their Soyuz capsule with the outpost for a mission that continues a 20-year shared Russian-US presence in orbit. However, the ties between the two countries deteriorated since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a "military operation" in Ukraine. IN PICS | 'Price of War': These empty strollers represent children killed during Russian invasion of Ukraine NASA informed that the cosmonauts on the Soyuz MS-21 spacecraft docked to the ISS at 3:12 pm EDT while the station was travelling 260 miles over eastern Kazakhstan. The trio has joined Expedition 66 Commander Anton Shkaplerov and cosmonaut Pyotr Dubrov of Roscosmos on the station. They also joined NASA astronauts Mark Vande Hei, Raja Chari, Tom Marshburn and Kayla Barron and ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Matthias Maurer. Station cameras have spotted the Soyuz MS-21 crew ship approaching the station with three cosmonauts ready to join the Exp 66 crew. https://t.co/yuOTrZ4Jut pic.twitter.com/Wg2GCZx9VK — International Space Station (@Space_Station) March 18, 2022 × NASA further informed that on March 30, a Soyuz spacecraft will return as scheduled carrying NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei and cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anton Shkaplerov back to Earth. Upon their return, Vande Hei will hold the American record for the longest single human spaceflight mission of 355 days. IN PICS | Drone warfare in Ukraine: Switchblade 'buzzing bee' drones vs Russia's Orlan-10 The US-Russian collaboration in space is being tested by heightened antagonism between the two former Cold War adversaries over Russia's three-week-old invasion of Ukraine. When US President Joe Biden slapped sanctions on Moscow in the wake of Russia's invasion, it also included the aerospace industry, triggering dark warnings from Rogozin. "If you block cooperation with us, who will save the ISS from uncontrolled deorbiting and falling on US or European territory?" the Roscosomos head wrote in a tweet last month -- noting that the station doesn't fly over much of Russia. The ISS, a collaboration among the US, Canada, Japan, the European Space Agency and Russia, is split into two sections: the US Orbital Segment, and the Russian Orbital Segment. WATCH | Russian cosmonauts arrive at the International space station for 6-month long mission ×

Amid Ukraine crisis, Russian cosmonauts welcomed aboard ISS in yellow and blue - Watch

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<p><strong>Here are some of the top stories to start your day:</strong> Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for comprehensive peace talks with Russia on Saturday. He said Russia would otherwise need generations to recover from losses suffered during the invasion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also watch, the story on firefighters of Ukraine are on the front lines of the war, they're working in volatile conditions. WION speaks to the firefighters, watch this ground report.</p>

<p><strong>Click on headlines to read the full report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-under-attack-ukrainian-army-claims-to-have-blocked-russias-main-routes-for-attacking-kyiv-463638">Ukrainian army claims to have blocked Russia's main routes for attacking Kyiv</a></strong><br />
As the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to escalate, a Ukrainian defence official in his latest address has said that the country's armed forces have blocked Russia's two main routes for attacking the capital city Kyiv.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Russia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="518027f2-0551-464f-9d47-c248c68dbb9e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Ukraine-Russia%20conflict%20%283%29.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-issue-needs-to-be-handled-properly-xi-tells-biden-during-video-call-463654">Taiwan issue needs to be handled properly, Xi tells Biden during video call</a></strong><br />
Taiwan issue needs to be handled properly to avert a negative impact on relations between US and China, President Xi Jinping has told counterpart, Joe Biden, on Friday as per Chinese media reports. &nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="US-China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5a2a13a6-f96c-4756-a8c9-60a8df869fb9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/US-china.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-conflict-time-for-meaningful-talks-says-president-volodymyr-zelenskiy-463642">Time for meaningful talks, says President Volodymyr Zelensky</a></strong><br />
As the conflict intensifies, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for comprehensive peace talks with Russia on Saturday. He said Russia would otherwise need generations to recover from losses suffered during the invasion.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Zelensky" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="41ac889f-7df8-418b-a292-8bf53c44d66f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Volodymyr%20Zelensky%20%282%29_1.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-ukraine-claims-to-block-russian-forces-advance-into-kyiv-463637">Ukraine says it'll take years to defuse mines: Follow live updates</a></strong><br />
Ukraine's interior minister said Friday that it will take years to defuse unexploded ordnances after the Russian invasion. Speaking to The Associated Press in the besieged Ukrainian capital, Denys Monastyrsky said that the country will need Western assistance to cope with the massive task once the war is over.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Ukraine" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="30228a6e-0e25-47ae-8c24-c6d95f313d19" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Russia%27s%20attack%20on%20Ukraine%20%282%29.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong>WATCH | WION Ground Report: The story of Kyiv's first responders</strong><br />
The firefighters of Ukraine are on the front lines of the war, they're working in the volatile conditions. WION speaks to the firefighters, watch this ground report.&nbsp;</p>

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Here are some of the top stories to start your day: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for comprehensive peace talks with Russia on Saturday. He said Russia would otherwise need generations to recover from losses suffered during the invasion.

Here are some of the top stories to start your day: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for comprehensive peace talks with Russia on Saturday. He said Russia would otherwise need generations to recover from losses suffered during the invasion. Also watch, the story on firefighters of Ukraine are on the front lines of the war, they're working in volatile conditions. WION speaks to the firefighters, watch this ground report. Click on headlines to read the full report: Ukrainian army claims to have blocked Russia's main routes for attacking Kyiv As the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to escalate, a Ukrainian defence official in his latest address has said that the country's armed forces have blocked Russia's two main routes for attacking the capital city Kyiv. Taiwan issue needs to be handled properly, Xi tells Biden during video call Taiwan issue needs to be handled properly to avert a negative impact on relations between US and China, President Xi Jinping has told counterpart, Joe Biden, on Friday as per Chinese media reports. Time for meaningful talks, says President Volodymyr Zelensky As the conflict intensifies, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for comprehensive peace talks with Russia on Saturday. He said Russia would otherwise need generations to recover from losses suffered during the invasion. Ukraine says it'll take years to defuse mines: Follow live updates Ukraine's interior minister said Friday that it will take years to defuse unexploded ordnances after the Russian invasion. Speaking to The Associated Press in the besieged Ukrainian capital, Denys Monastyrsky said that the country will need Western assistance to cope with the massive task once the war is over. WATCH | WION Ground Report: The story of Kyiv's first responders The firefighters of Ukraine are on the front lines of the war, they're working in the volatile conditions. WION speaks to the firefighters, watch this ground report. ×

Morning news brief: Zelensky says time for meaningful talks; WION's Ground Report from Kyiv, and more

'Price of War': These empty strollers represent children killed during Russian invasion of Ukraine

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>

<p>As the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to escalate, a Ukrainian defence official in his latest address has said that the country's armed forces have blocked Russia's two main routes for attacking the capital city Kyiv.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports have suggested that the Russian forces have been strengthening outside the capital city of Ukraine apparently to take over it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Brigadier General Oleksandr Hruzevych, who is the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Land Forces Command of Ukraine said as quoted by media outlets that Russian forces on both sides of the Dnipro river have been stopped.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-crimes-amid-ukraine-war-baltic-states-expel-russian-diplomats-463524">'War crimes': Amid Ukraine war, Baltic states expel Russian diplomats</a></strong></p>

<p>He said on Friday (March 18), "As of today, the enemy has been stopped at a distance of almost 70 kilometres from the city’s right bank, which makes it impossible to carry out fire, except for rocket fire." &nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "On the left bank, the advance has [also] been stopped. The enemy is cynically shooting at our infrastructure facilities. [But] the main ways of attack are blocked."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The official added, "In some districts, namely Brovary and Boryspil, the enemy refrained from active offensive as such. There are small attempts at action on the left bank of the Dnipro River, but they’ve also been unsuccessful."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germanys-scholz-urges-ceasefire-in-call-with-russias-putin-463517">Germany's Scholz urges ceasefire in call with Russia's Putin</a></strong></p>

<p>Commenting on Russia's progress, the UK's Ministry of Defence (MoD) said on Thursday (March 18) had said that Russian forces have made minimal progress on land, sea or air in recent days and they continue to suffer heavy losses.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The MoD intelligence update read, "The Russian invasion of Ukraine has largely stalled on all fronts. Russian forces have made minimal progress on land, sea or air in recent days and they continue to suffer heavy losses. Ukrainian resistance remains staunch and well-coordinated. The vast majority of Ukrainian territory, including all major cities, remains in Ukrainian hands."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Ukraine-Russia Crisis: Joe Biden-Xi Jinping call lasts for nearly 2 hours</strong></p>

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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. As the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to escalate, a Ukrainian defence official in his latest address has said that the country's armed forces have blocked Russia's two main routes for attacking the capital city Kyiv. Reports have suggested that the Russian forces have been strengthening outside the capital city of Ukraine apparently to take over it. However, Brigadier General Oleksandr Hruzevych, who is the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Land Forces Command of Ukraine said as quoted by media outlets that Russian forces on both sides of the Dnipro river have been stopped. ALSO READ | 'War crimes': Amid Ukraine war, Baltic states expel Russian diplomats He said on Friday (March 18), "As of today, the enemy has been stopped at a distance of almost 70 kilometres from the city’s right bank, which makes it impossible to carry out fire, except for rocket fire." He said, "On the left bank, the advance has [also] been stopped. The enemy is cynically shooting at our infrastructure facilities. [But] the main ways of attack are blocked." The official added, "In some districts, namely Brovary and Boryspil, the enemy refrained from active offensive as such. There are small attempts at action on the left bank of the Dnipro River, but they’ve also been unsuccessful." ALSO READ | Germany's Scholz urges ceasefire in call with Russia's Putin Commenting on Russia's progress, the UK's Ministry of Defence (MoD) said on Thursday (March 18) had said that Russian forces have made minimal progress on land, sea or air in recent days and they continue to suffer heavy losses. The MoD intelligence update read, "The Russian invasion of Ukraine has largely stalled on all fronts. Russian forces have made minimal progress on land, sea or air in recent days and they continue to suffer heavy losses. Ukrainian resistance remains staunch and well-coordinated. The vast majority of Ukrainian territory, including all major cities, remains in Ukrainian hands." WATCH | Ukraine-Russia Crisis: Joe Biden-Xi Jinping call lasts for nearly 2 hours ×

Ukraine under attack: Ukrainian army claims to have blocked Russia's main routes for attacking Kyiv

<p>Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has shaken the global market for nickel just as the metal gains importance as an ingredient in electric car batteries, raising fears that high prices could slow the transition away from fossil fuels.</p>

<p>The price of nickel doubled in one day last week, prompting the London Metal Exchange to freeze trading and effectively bring the global nickel market to a standstill. After two years of supply-chain chaos caused by the pandemic, the episode provided more evidence of how geopolitical tensions are destroying trading relationships that companies once took for granted, forcing them to rethink where they get the parts and metals they use to make cars and many other products.</p>

<p>Automakers and other companies that need nickel, as well as other battery raw materials such as lithium or cobalt, have begun looking for ways to shield themselves against future shocks.</p>

<p>Volkswagen, for example, has begun to explore buying nickel directly from mining companies, Markus Duesmann, CEO of the carmaker’s Audi division, said in an interview Thursday. “Raw materials are going to be an issue for years to come,” he said.</p>

<p>The prospect of prolonged geopolitical tensions is likely to accelerate attempts by the United States and Europe to develop domestic supplies of commodities that often come from Russia. There are nickel deposits, for example, in Canada, Greenland and even Minnesota.</p>

<p>“Nickel, cobalt, platinum, palladium, even copper — we already realized we need those metals for the green transition, for mitigating climate change,” said Bo Stensgaard, CEO of Bluejay Mining, which is working on extracting nickel from a site in western Greenland in a venture with KoBold Metals, whose backers include Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates. “When you see the geopolitical developments with Ukraine and Russia, it’s even more obvious that there are supply risks with these metals.”</p>

<p>But establishing new mining operations is likely to take years, even decades, because of the time needed to acquire permits and financing. In the meantime, companies using nickel — a group that also includes steel-makers — will need to contend with higher prices, which will eventually be felt by consumers.</p>

<p>An average electric-car battery contains about 80 pounds of nickel. The surge in prices in March would more than double the cost of that nickel to $1,750 a car, according to estimates by trading firm Cantor Fitzgerald.</p>

<p>Russia accounts for a relatively small proportion of world nickel production, and most of it is used to make stainless steel, not car batteries. But Russia plays an outsize role in nickel markets. Norilsk Nickel, also known as Nornickel, is the world’s largest nickel producer, with vast operations in Siberia. Its owner, Vladimir Potanin, is one of Russia’s wealthiest people. Norilsk is among a limited number of companies authorized to sell a specialized form of nickel on the London Metal Exchange, which handles all nickel trading.</p>

<p>Unlike other oligarchs, Potanin has not been a target of sanctions, and the United States and Europe have not tried to block nickel exports, a step that would hurt their economies as well as Russia’s. The prospect that Russian nickel could be cut off from world markets was enough to cause panic.</p>

<p>Analysts expect prices to come down from their recent peaks but remain much higher than they were a year ago. “The trend would be to come down to a level close to where we last left off,” around $25,000 a metric ton compared with the peak of $100,000 a ton, said Adrian Gardner, a principal analyst specializing in nickel at Wood Mackenzie, a research firm.</p>

<p>Nickel was on a tear even before the Russian invasion as hedge funds and other investors bet on rising demand for electric vehicles. The price topped $20,000 a ton this year after hovering between $10,000 and $15,000 a ton for much of the past five years. At the same time, less nickel was being produced because of the pandemic.</p>

<p>After Russia invaded Ukraine in late February, the price rose above $30,000 in a little over a week. Then came March 8. Word spread on the trading desks of brokerage firms and hedge funds in London that a company, which turned out to be the Tsingshan Holding Group of China, had made a huge bet that the price of nickel would drop. When the price rose, Tsingshan owed billions of dollars, a situation known on Wall Street as a short squeeze.</p>

<p>The price shot up to a little over $100,000 a ton, threatening the existence of many other companies that had bet wrong and prompting the London Metal Exchange to halt trading.</p>

<p>The exchange tried to restart trading in nickel twice this week with new price limits, but sudden drops caused trading to halt once again. “The market is broken,” said Keith Wildie, head of trading at London-based metals firm Romco.</p>

<p>There is no sign that nickel prices will lead to factory shutdowns in the way that shortages of components made in Ukraine brought assembly lines at Volkswagen, BMW and other carmakers to a standstill. It will take a few weeks for price increases to ripple through the system.</p>

<p>For now, automakers and other big nickel buyers such as steel-makers may be able to find alternative suppliers, use more recycled material or switch to battery designs that require less nickel.</p>

<p>“There is enough nickel,” Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius said in an interview this week. But carmakers might have to pay more, he said, adding, “It’s not unlikely that we will have secondary effects from this conflict.”</p>

<p>The Ukraine conflict has underscored the urgency of moving away from fossil fuels, said Duesmann. Russian oil plays a much bigger role in the global economy than Russian nickel. “It would be too shortsighted to say, ‘Electromobility doesn’t work,’” he said.</p>

<p>Beyond the immediate disruption to supplies, automakers are concerned about a retreat from the open markets that have been so good for business. Katrin Kamin, a trade expert at the Kiel Institute for the World Economy in Germany, noted that global commerce had held up remarkably well during the pandemic.</p>

<p>“Perhaps we should speak less of globalization being in crisis and more of international relations being at a low point,” Kamin said in an email.</p>

<p>But the Ukraine conflict, she added, “is a major blow to trade.”</p>


Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has shaken the global market for nickel just as the metal gains importance as an ingredient in electric car batteries, raising fears that high prices could slow the transition away from fossil fuels.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has shaken the global market for nickel just as the metal gains importance as an ingredient in electric car batteries, raising fears that high prices could slow the transition away from fossil fuels. The price of nickel doubled in one day last week, prompting the London Metal Exchange to freeze trading and effectively bring the global nickel market to a standstill. After two years of supply-chain chaos caused by the pandemic, the episode provided more evidence of how geopolitical tensions are destroying trading relationships that companies once took for granted, forcing them to rethink where they get the parts and metals they use to make cars and many other products. Automakers and other companies that need nickel, as well as other battery raw materials such as lithium or cobalt, have begun looking for ways to shield themselves against future shocks. Volkswagen, for example, has begun to explore buying nickel directly from mining companies, Markus Duesmann, CEO of the carmaker’s Audi division, said in an interview Thursday. “Raw materials are going to be an issue for years to come,” he said. The prospect of prolonged geopolitical tensions is likely to accelerate attempts by the United States and Europe to develop domestic supplies of commodities that often come from Russia. There are nickel deposits, for example, in Canada, Greenland and even Minnesota. “Nickel, cobalt, platinum, palladium, even copper — we already realized we need those metals for the green transition, for mitigating climate change,” said Bo Stensgaard, CEO of Bluejay Mining, which is working on extracting nickel from a site in western Greenland in a venture with KoBold Metals, whose backers include Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates. “When you see the geopolitical developments with Ukraine and Russia, it’s even more obvious that there are supply risks with these metals.” But establishing new mining operations is likely to take years, even decades, because of the time needed to acquire permits and financing. In the meantime, companies using nickel — a group that also includes steel-makers — will need to contend with higher prices, which will eventually be felt by consumers. An average electric-car battery contains about 80 pounds of nickel. The surge in prices in March would more than double the cost of that nickel to $1,750 a car, according to estimates by trading firm Cantor Fitzgerald. Russia accounts for a relatively small proportion of world nickel production, and most of it is used to make stainless steel, not car batteries. But Russia plays an outsize role in nickel markets. Norilsk Nickel, also known as Nornickel, is the world’s largest nickel producer, with vast operations in Siberia. Its owner, Vladimir Potanin, is one of Russia’s wealthiest people. Norilsk is among a limited number of companies authorized to sell a specialized form of nickel on the London Metal Exchange, which handles all nickel trading. Unlike other oligarchs, Potanin has not been a target of sanctions, and the United States and Europe have not tried to block nickel exports, a step that would hurt their economies as well as Russia’s. The prospect that Russian nickel could be cut off from world markets was enough to cause panic. Analysts expect prices to come down from their recent peaks but remain much higher than they were a year ago. “The trend would be to come down to a level close to where we last left off,” around $25,000 a metric ton compared with the peak of $100,000 a ton, said Adrian Gardner, a principal analyst specializing in nickel at Wood Mackenzie, a research firm. Nickel was on a tear even before the Russian invasion as hedge funds and other investors bet on rising demand for electric vehicles. The price topped $20,000 a ton this year after hovering between $10,000 and $15,000 a ton for much of the past five years. At the same time, less nickel was being produced because of the pandemic. After Russia invaded Ukraine in late February, the price rose above $30,000 in a little over a week. Then came March 8. Word spread on the trading desks of brokerage firms and hedge funds in London that a company, which turned out to be the Tsingshan Holding Group of China, had made a huge bet that the price of nickel would drop. When the price rose, Tsingshan owed billions of dollars, a situation known on Wall Street as a short squeeze. The price shot up to a little over $100,000 a ton, threatening the existence of many other companies that had bet wrong and prompting the London Metal Exchange to halt trading. The exchange tried to restart trading in nickel twice this week with new price limits, but sudden drops caused trading to halt once again. “The market is broken,” said Keith Wildie, head of trading at London-based metals firm Romco. There is no sign that nickel prices will lead to factory shutdowns in the way that shortages of components made in Ukraine brought assembly lines at Volkswagen, BMW and other carmakers to a standstill. It will take a few weeks for price increases to ripple through the system. For now, automakers and other big nickel buyers such as steel-makers may be able to find alternative suppliers, use more recycled material or switch to battery designs that require less nickel. “There is enough nickel,” Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius said in an interview this week. But carmakers might have to pay more, he said, adding, “It’s not unlikely that we will have secondary effects from this conflict.” The Ukraine conflict has underscored the urgency of moving away from fossil fuels, said Duesmann. Russian oil plays a much bigger role in the global economy than Russian nickel. “It would be too shortsighted to say, ‘Electromobility doesn’t work,’” he said. Beyond the immediate disruption to supplies, automakers are concerned about a retreat from the open markets that have been so good for business. Katrin Kamin, a trade expert at the Kiel Institute for the World Economy in Germany, noted that global commerce had held up remarkably well during the pandemic. “Perhaps we should speak less of globalization being in crisis and more of international relations being at a low point,” Kamin said in an email. But the Ukraine conflict, she added, “is a major blow to trade.”

How the war in Ukraine could slow the sales of electric cars

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<p>The United States House of Representatives voted on Friday (March 18) to ban discrimination on hairstyles such as afros, braids, dreadlocks, which could be associated with a particular race or national origin. The bill now moves to the Senate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bill is aimed to help and protect those Black Americans who have been asked or forced to cut their hair or style it in a certain way while at school or work.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cori Bush, who is a Black representative from Missouri, just before the vote said, "As a Black woman who loves my braids, I know what it's like to feel isolated because of how I wear my hair."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-pro-invasion-rally-russian-president-vladimir-putin-dons-costly-loro-piana-jacket-463688">As Russians face financial crisis, President Vladimir Putin dons costly Loro Piana jacket in pro-war rally</a></strong></p>

<p>Amid a rise in the cases of racism in the United States in recent years, discrimination based on hairstyles emerged as a new form of race discrimination.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports and studies have highlighted that minorities have suffered hair discrimination for years and African American women face the highest instances of hair discrimination. It has been found that they are more likely to be sent home from the workplace because of their hair.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the past, numerous instances of this kind of discrimination have risen to public attention in the United States. In late 2019, a Black teen in Texas was suspended from school and threatened with expulsion if she did not cut her dreadlocks. The officials had said that dreadlocks were too long.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-police-officer-jailed-for-murder-charged-with-more-sex-crimes-463602">UK police officer, jailed for murder, charged with more sex crimes</a></strong></p>

<p>Another case occurred in December 2018, when a referee forced a Black wrestler to cut his hair or face disqualification, arguing that his hairstyle was against the rules.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The White House said President Joe Biden supports the bill, and underlined his belief that "no person should be denied the ability to obtain a job, succeed in school or the workplace, secure housing, or otherwise exercise their rights based on a hair texture or hair style."</p>


The United States House of Representatives voted on Friday (March 18) to ban discrimination on hairstyles such as afros, braids, dreadlocks, which could be associated with a particular race or national origin.

The United States House of Representatives voted on Friday (March 18) to ban discrimination on hairstyles such as afros, braids, dreadlocks, which could be associated with a particular race or national origin. The bill now moves to the Senate. The bill is aimed to help and protect those Black Americans who have been asked or forced to cut their hair or style it in a certain way while at school or work. Cori Bush, who is a Black representative from Missouri, just before the vote said, "As a Black woman who loves my braids, I know what it's like to feel isolated because of how I wear my hair." ALSO READ | As Russians face financial crisis, President Vladimir Putin dons costly Loro Piana jacket in pro-war rally Amid a rise in the cases of racism in the United States in recent years, discrimination based on hairstyles emerged as a new form of race discrimination. Reports and studies have highlighted that minorities have suffered hair discrimination for years and African American women face the highest instances of hair discrimination. It has been found that they are more likely to be sent home from the workplace because of their hair. In the past, numerous instances of this kind of discrimination have risen to public attention in the United States. In late 2019, a Black teen in Texas was suspended from school and threatened with expulsion if she did not cut her dreadlocks. The officials had said that dreadlocks were too long. ALSO READ | UK police officer, jailed for murder, charged with more sex crimes Another case occurred in December 2018, when a referee forced a Black wrestler to cut his hair or face disqualification, arguing that his hairstyle was against the rules. The White House said President Joe Biden supports the bill, and underlined his belief that "no person should be denied the ability to obtain a job, succeed in school or the workplace, secure housing, or otherwise exercise their rights based on a hair texture or hair style."

Hairstyles and racism: US Congress moves to ban discrimination of hairstyles

<p>Palaeontologists have unearthed the skull of a ferocious marine predator, that said to be the ancient ancestor of modern-day whales.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Thursday (March 17), scientists unveiled the fossilized remains of the ancient whale which lived 36 million years ago in an ocean that covered part of what is now Peru.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rodolfo Salas, who is the chief of palaeontology at Peru's National University of San Marcos told reporters that the well-preserved skull was dug up intact last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/even-a-worm-can-make-decisions-says-a-study-461969">Even a worm can make decisions, says a study</a></strong></p>

<p>The stunning fossilized remains were found from the bone-dry rocks of Peru's southern Ocucaje desert, with rows of long, pointy teeth that could feed on tuna, sharks and schools of sardines.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Scientists think the ancient mammal "Ocucaje Predator" was a basilosaurus, which is part of the aquatic cetacean family, whose contemporary descendants include whales, dolphins, and porpoises.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the textbooks, Basilosaurus means "king lizard". Although the animal was not a reptile but its long body might have moved like a giant snake.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Palaeontologist Mario Urbina, head of the team that discovered the skeleton, told news agency AFP, "We have presented the new Peruvian basilosaurus, it is the complete skull of an archaic whale that lived 36 million years ago."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/its-not-photoshop-rainbow-coloured-fish-discovered-living-off-the-coast-of-maldives-461166">It's not photoshop! Rainbow-coloured fish discovered living off the coast of Maldives</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="Peru" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="54d01dd7-da92-4ecc-8f0e-038ac51d6d37" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Peru.jpg" /></p>

<p><em>The 36-million-year-old&nbsp;Basilosaurus&nbsp;whale fossil on display&nbsp;at the Museum of Natural History, in Lima, Peru. (Image credit: Reuters)</em></p>

<p>"This finding is very important because there are no other similar specimens discovered in the world," said Urbina, a researcher at the National University of San Marcos, in Lima.</p>

<p>Team member Rodolfo Salas-Gismondi explained the basilosaurus differs from other known ancient whale species by its size and the development of its teeth, both of which indicate the animal was likely at the top of the food chain.</p>

<p>"This is an extraordinary find because of its great state of preservation," he told AFP. "This animal was one of the largest predators of its time."</p>

<p>"At that time the Peruvian sea was warm," added Salas-Gismondi, who heads the Department of Vertebrate Paleontology at the Natural History Museum in Lima. "Thanks to this type of fossil, we can reconstruct the history of the Peruvian sea."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Palaeontologists have unearthed the skull of a ferocious marine predator, that said to be the ancient ancestor of modern-day whales. On Thursday (March 17), scientists unveiled the fossilized remains of the ancient whale which lived 36 million years ago in an ocean that covered part of what is now Peru.

Palaeontologists have unearthed the skull of a ferocious marine predator, that said to be the ancient ancestor of modern-day whales. On Thursday (March 17), scientists unveiled the fossilized remains of the ancient whale which lived 36 million years ago in an ocean that covered part of what is now Peru. Rodolfo Salas, who is the chief of palaeontology at Peru's National University of San Marcos told reporters that the well-preserved skull was dug up intact last year. ALSO READ | Even a worm can make decisions, says a study The stunning fossilized remains were found from the bone-dry rocks of Peru's southern Ocucaje desert, with rows of long, pointy teeth that could feed on tuna, sharks and schools of sardines. Scientists think the ancient mammal "Ocucaje Predator" was a basilosaurus, which is part of the aquatic cetacean family, whose contemporary descendants include whales, dolphins, and porpoises. As per the textbooks, Basilosaurus means "king lizard". Although the animal was not a reptile but its long body might have moved like a giant snake. Palaeontologist Mario Urbina, head of the team that discovered the skeleton, told news agency AFP, "We have presented the new Peruvian basilosaurus, it is the complete skull of an archaic whale that lived 36 million years ago." ALSO READ | It's not photoshop! Rainbow-coloured fish discovered living off the coast of Maldives The 36-million-year-old Basilosaurus whale fossil on display at the Museum of Natural History, in Lima, Peru. (Image credit: Reuters) "This finding is very important because there are no other similar specimens discovered in the world," said Urbina, a researcher at the National University of San Marcos, in Lima. Team member Rodolfo Salas-Gismondi explained the basilosaurus differs from other known ancient whale species by its size and the development of its teeth, both of which indicate the animal was likely at the top of the food chain. "This is an extraordinary find because of its great state of preservation," he told AFP. "This animal was one of the largest predators of its time." "At that time the Peruvian sea was warm," added Salas-Gismondi, who heads the Department of Vertebrate Paleontology at the Natural History Museum in Lima. "Thanks to this type of fossil, we can reconstruct the history of the Peruvian sea." (With inputs from agencies)

'An extraordinary find': A 36-million-year-old prehistoric whale fossil found in Peru

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